Fifa Women's World Cup: Wales ready to face England at Cardiff City Stadium as race for Canada 2015 hots up

Wales women's star Michelle Green says 'bring on England' as they prepare for World Cup clash

Wales are more than capable of getting a good result in their World Cup qualifier against England this week, says Michelle Green.

The midfielder has already overtaken goalkeeper Neville Southall as Wales’ all-time record cap holder and the Cardiff City Ladies FC ace is set to notch up her 94th appearance for her country against the Old Enemy on Thursday.

Fresh from hosting a successful Uefa Super Cup final last week, Jarmo Matikainen’s side return to the Cardiff City Stadium, a ground they have already tasted success at with their 1-0 win in Group Six over Belarus last September.

England have named their big guns for the must-win encounter, with Arsenal duo Casey Stoney and Kelly Smith plus Manchester City’s Steph Houghton all set to play a part for the table-toppers but Green, who earned her first senior cap at the age of 18 in 2001 against Scotland, says the challenge of Mark Sampson’s side is one the Dragonesses are more than up for.

“England will be a tough game that’s for sure,” she said.

“But if we play to our full potential as a team then we are capable of getting a big performance and a good result.”

And Green said it would be a dream come true to represent her country at a World Cup – something which, she admits, could only benefit the women’s game in Wales,

“The World Cup is the biggest stage in football and it is something you dream about as a player,” she added.

“I think such an achievement would have a huge impact on women’s football in Wales.

“Having seen the effect the British women’s Olympic team had on football in Britain and with the increasing media coverage it would certainly raise the profile.”

Green has played alongside some of Wales’ greatest over the years on her way to amassing her record number of caps, but she admitted it was hard to pick a favourite team-mate, although she was surprised to discover a hidden talent of veteran Arsenal vice-captain, and now Reading coach, Jayne Ludlow. “We have so many talented players within the squad I couldn’t just pick one,” said the 32-year-old.

“I dare not name one but there have been loads of funny characters in the squad over the years,

“We have always had a close group of players and the banter is some of the best.

“But one of the moments that sticks out in my mind was a changing room dance-off between Sally Wade and Jayne Ludlow after our game away to Israel. Who would have thought Luds could dance?!” And, aside from aiming to fulfil her ambition of playing for her country on the global stage provided by a World Cup, Green has no qualms about picking her most memorable moment of her career so far. “There have been a few memorable and great moments,” she said. “But I would have to say getting my 93rd cap and becoming the most capped Welsh player and having the privilege of captaining the side for that game,

“It was certainly a special moment for myself and my family. My family have been the biggest influence on my career in the sport as I was always surrounded with football growing up. Having my family there when I got my 93rd cap was an unbelievable feeling as they have always supported me with my football and they are one of the main reasons I have been able to achieve this record number of caps.”

And Green, nicknamed Mush by her team-mates, has also seen many changes over the years since making her international bow in 2001, and is full of praise for one man in particular – Finnish manager Matikainen.

“There has certainly been a huge change in recent years especially since the appointment of Jarmo,” she told www.cardiffcityladiesfc.co.uk

“The work ethic, structure and professionalism he has brought to the national side has raised the standards of women’s football in this country.”

Tickets for Wales v England, priced at £5 adults, £2 juniors/seniors, are available from www.faw.org.uk or 02920 435851.

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